Biopriming of seeds with microbial consortia to enhance germination and early growth performance under saline stress conditions

Abstract

Background: Salinity stress is a major abiotic factor that negatively impacts seed germination, seedling vigor, and early crop establishment, thereby reducing overall agricultural productivity. Traditional chemical-based seed treatments pose environmental risks and are often ineffective under high salinity conditions.Aim: The present study aims to investigate the potential of seed biopriming with microbial consortia to improve germination and early seedling growth under saline stress.Methodology: Seeds of the target crop were bioprimed using a microbial consortium comprising Azospirillum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. After priming, seeds were exposed to three levels of salinity (0.35, 6, and 14 dS/m). Germination percentage, seedling length, and vigor indices were recorded and analyzed statistically using ANOVA and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT).Results: Bioprimed seeds showed significantly higher germination percentage, root and shoot lengths, and vigor indices across all salinity levels compared to non-bioprimed controls. Notably, under high salinity (14 dS/m), bioprimed seeds recorded a 23% increase in germination and a substantial improvement in seedling vigor index compared to non-treated seeds.Conclusion: Seed biopriming with microbial consortia effectively enhances germination and early growth performance under saline stress, indicating its potential as an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for improving crop establishment in salt-affected environments.